Pakistan on Thursday issued a maritime notification to conduct a surface-to-surface missile test from its Karachi coast within its Exclusive Economic Zone, between April 24 and 25. The move, reported by ANI citing defence sources, has raised regional alarm.
“Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close watch on all the developments,” ANI reported.
This development comes days after India took a series of diplomatic and strategic steps in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi has alleged cross-border involvement, pointing to Pakistan-based terror groups.
India hits back with policy freeze
India has taken what it described as “measured but firm” steps following the attack in which 28 civilians, mostly tourists, lost their lives. The location—Baisaran meadow, just 7 km from Pahalgam—was considered secure and peaceful, nestled amidst snow-clad hills and pine forests.
Survivors recounted chilling details. Militants reportedly dressed in Army fatigues asked victims to identify themselves by name and recite Islamic verses. Those who could not were shot at point-blank range.
The Resistance Front (TRF), widely regarded as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
In response, India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, shut the Integrated Check Post at Attari with immediate effect, and withdrew travel access under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Visas already issued were cancelled. Pakistani nationals under SVES were given 48 hours to leave.
Also Read: India acts tough after Pahalgam attack: Military options on table, diplomacy downgraded
Diplomatic downgrade
India also capped the strength of diplomatic missions on both sides to 30 personnel each—down from 55—effective May 1. This marks the most serious diplomatic downgrading since 2020, when mission sizes were halved during another period of tension.
A Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson stated that the attack came “in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.”
The Indian government has framed the assault as a deliberate attempt to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: Pahalgam attack: India downsizes diplomatic ties with Pakistan; how will it impact embassy, defence personnel?
Pakistan warns of consequences
Pakistan’s National Security Committee held a high-level meeting to discuss the situation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the timing of the meeting reflects the gravity of the moment, noting that such sessions are convened “when issues related to national security are to be discussed.”
Separately, another Pakistani minister issued a public warning: “Any misadventure under false flag pretext will have dire consequences.”
Adding to the unease, social media posts and defence analysts have noted increased movement of Pakistani military aircraft near bases close to the Line of Control.
Shadow of Pulwama
This is India’s deadliest terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since Pulwama in 2019, which led to Indian airstrikes on Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. While India has stopped short of any military retaliation so far, the current diplomatic freeze signals deepening distrust.
Tensions are expected to simmer in the coming days, especially as Pakistan’s missile test looms. Observers warn that any miscalculation could inflame an already fragile situation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Also Read: Pahalgam attack: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, seals Wagah-Attari border, cancels visas for Pakistanis; Key govt decisions
(With inputs from TOI, ANI)
“Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close watch on all the developments,” ANI reported.
This development comes days after India took a series of diplomatic and strategic steps in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi has alleged cross-border involvement, pointing to Pakistan-based terror groups.
India hits back with policy freeze
India has taken what it described as “measured but firm” steps following the attack in which 28 civilians, mostly tourists, lost their lives. The location—Baisaran meadow, just 7 km from Pahalgam—was considered secure and peaceful, nestled amidst snow-clad hills and pine forests.
Survivors recounted chilling details. Militants reportedly dressed in Army fatigues asked victims to identify themselves by name and recite Islamic verses. Those who could not were shot at point-blank range.
The Resistance Front (TRF), widely regarded as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility.
In response, India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, shut the Integrated Check Post at Attari with immediate effect, and withdrew travel access under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Visas already issued were cancelled. Pakistani nationals under SVES were given 48 hours to leave.
Also Read: India acts tough after Pahalgam attack: Military options on table, diplomacy downgraded
Diplomatic downgrade
India also capped the strength of diplomatic missions on both sides to 30 personnel each—down from 55—effective May 1. This marks the most serious diplomatic downgrading since 2020, when mission sizes were halved during another period of tension.
A Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson stated that the attack came “in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.”
The Indian government has framed the assault as a deliberate attempt to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read: Pahalgam attack: India downsizes diplomatic ties with Pakistan; how will it impact embassy, defence personnel?
Pakistan warns of consequences
Pakistan’s National Security Committee held a high-level meeting to discuss the situation. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the timing of the meeting reflects the gravity of the moment, noting that such sessions are convened “when issues related to national security are to be discussed.”
Separately, another Pakistani minister issued a public warning: “Any misadventure under false flag pretext will have dire consequences.”
Adding to the unease, social media posts and defence analysts have noted increased movement of Pakistani military aircraft near bases close to the Line of Control.
Shadow of Pulwama
This is India’s deadliest terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since Pulwama in 2019, which led to Indian airstrikes on Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. While India has stopped short of any military retaliation so far, the current diplomatic freeze signals deepening distrust.
Tensions are expected to simmer in the coming days, especially as Pakistan’s missile test looms. Observers warn that any miscalculation could inflame an already fragile situation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Also Read: Pahalgam attack: India suspends Indus Waters Treaty, seals Wagah-Attari border, cancels visas for Pakistanis; Key govt decisions
(With inputs from TOI, ANI)
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